A medium to large tree, commonly 60'-75', occasionally
to 100' tall. Prefers moist, cool soils and cool summer temperatures, often found
on north facing slopes and swamps. The wood is used for cabinets, furniture, flooring,
and doors. It was a principal wood used for distilling wood alcohol, acetate of
lime, tar, and oils. The papery shreds of bark can be stripped off in emergencies
and used as a fire starter even in wet conditions. Ruffed grouse feed on buds
and seeds, deer and rabbits browse the twigs.
Green and hairy when young later brown and smooth,
with only a faint wintergreen flavor and smell. Buds dull yellowish green, slightly
downy.
Fruit
An erect, very short-stalked cone, 1½"
long, made up of small, winged nuts and scales.
Bark
Young stems and branches yellowish or bronze and shiny,
peeling off in thin papery strips, Older trunks becoming to reddish brown and
breaking into large, ragged edged plates.
Select a Tree from a menu below, or download the Visual
Guide
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